didn't want to be there. >> reporter: most agree romney led the debate. and after lagging in many polls, this first match-up could give him the boost he needed. >> knowing he's behind and he needs to win. and he came in and fought that fight stylistically. i think he put the president on defense a number of times. >> reporter: now, the candidates aren't wasting any time. they're getting back on the campaign trail today. and the big next week when the vice presidential candidates go one-on-one in kentucky. live in denver, brandi hitt. back to you. >> big issues and controversies in the headlines last few weeks, never mentioned last night. >> reporter: definitely. that's what's interesting, rob and paula. you talk to the analysts. and a lot of people were waiting for president obama to bring up mitt romney's past at bain capital. and that 47% comment he made over the last couple of weeks. abc news spoke to the romney campaign and they were also surprised. they had pressed mitt romney to answer these questions. and they don't know why the president didn't br